Article: Program Provides Support Services to Family Caregivers

 

Last Updated: 9/28/2009 5:51:06 PM

Caring for a family member is hard work, and without support, caregivers can easily get burnt out or overwhelmed. However, there is help available for caregivers if they know where to look. The National Family Caregiver Support Program is a federal initiative that provides money to states to fund programs that support family caregivers. The goal is to help caregivers care for seniors at home for as long as possible.

The National Family Caregivers Support Program supports family caregivers of adults aged 60 or older or anyone with Alzheimer’s disease. It also funds services to grandparents and relative caregivers, age 55 or older, of children 18 years of age or under or who care for a relative with a disability age 19 to 59.

Under the program, states must provide the following five types of services:

  • Information about available services
  • Assistance in accessing services
  • Counseling, support groups, and training
  • Respite care for the caregiver, which could be through companions, home health aides, adult day care, or in-facility care
  • Supplemental services, such as medical supplies, home safety aides, legal assistance, and financial consultation

The exact services vary from state to state, but caregivers can receive anything from training seminars to case management to home-delivered meals. The services provided are supposed to make daily tasks and routines a little easier.

To find out more about what help is available in your state, contact your local agency on aging.